SexRx: Yohimbine and Your Sex Life

Yohimbine
is an alkaloid that is found in the bark of a West African evergreen tree—the yohimbe tree. Yohimbine might help treat
impotence
that can be caused by a variety of factors, although it comes with many risks.

Commonly Used Product Names

Yohimbine hydrochloric acid (HCL)—a prescription drug in a tablet

Yohimbe bark—available in the following forms:

Capsule

Concentrated drops

Decoction (an extract obtained from boiling)

Tablet

Tea

Tincture

Yohimbe bark is often not standardized based on yohimbine content. Therefore, it is a less reliable source than the drug form.

Sexual Effects

Yohimbine has a long history of being used as an aphrodisiac. Some studies have suggested that it may have the following pro-sexual effects:

Helps to obtain and maintain erection

Enhances quality of erection

Side Effects

Since the effective level of yohimbine is close to its toxic level, it is not clear that its benefits outweigh its risks. Side effects include:

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.